Every year, each alderman is allocated $1.3 million in Aldermanic Menu funds. This money is allocated by the alderman, with varying degrees of input from city departments, staff, and residents. The 45th Ward, however, uses a process called participatory budgeting to give power to residents to make real budgeting decisions that affect their neighborhood and their lives.

Currently, the 45th ward has entered the beginning stages of the 2019 Participatory Budgeting process. There are 4 ways for residents to submit ideas.

Getting your business off the ground is hard but what matters most is keeping it running and growing. In the business world time is money, and it's even more important in the small business world. Fit Small Business is a company dedicated to keeping owners of small businesses up to date with information they need to save money and grow, as well as assisting them with the purchase of assets. They provide how-to articles, and buyers guides written by them for you and your business. Their work is tailor done, and their in house staff spends 8 hours a day helping their clients.

If you or someone you know is looking for full time employment plus benefits, VIP Dental Lounge at 5120 W Irving Park Road is looking to hire a Front Desk Leader. Training will be provided and a friendly personality is a must!

Plan your next birthday party or special event at Josi's! It is free to reserve space and party guests can enjoy playing at Josi's kids' corner, a space full of toys and books and a PacMan arcade game. They offer a variety of refreshments, pizza, and froyo. They also work directly with Easy Street Pizza and Sweet Delights Cake Boutique to offer full catering services. Josi's will make your next event memorable, fun and sweet!

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Department of Water Management (DWM) have identified the first streets that are planned for resurfacing this year with the goal of at least 275 miles of repaving for the entire year. Paving work is expected to start in mid-April when the asphalt plants open for the 2018 construction season. A 2.75 miles stretch of Cicero Avenue, Irving Park Road to Grand Avenue, will be part of the resurfacing operation.

The Irving Park Community Food Pantry is seeking qualified applicants for the part-time position of Client Resources Coordinator. This position provides direct social services assistance to our clients and coordinates a number of our services. Spanish speaking ability is required. We are an equal-opportunity employer.

Carlson Community Services says "thank you" to the restaurants, cooks, and diners who made the 6th Soup & Bread for Carlson a success! Over 150 people came together February 25th to listen to the Indy Jam Band and sample nine delicious soups.

Forty-five gallons of soup were served, along with dozens of rolls from Highland Baking.

Thank you to raffle donors Backlot Coffee Company, The Lakefront Restaurant, Bruce Anderson, Helen Lira, Rodney Zech and Carlson Board and Committee members who donated to the wine basket. Many thanks to the event co-chairs Rebecca Haneberg and Ruth Olech. Carleson Community Services also wants to thank the hosts, Irving Park Lutheran Church, and all the volunteers who helped the evening run smoothly.

If you didn't make it to Soup & Bread It's not too late to donate! The many neighborhood programs need your support! If you have any questions please contact the Carlson Community Services Executive Director, Liz Mills at 773.398.6766 or email her at lizmills@carlsoncommunityservices.org

Grand Avenue will begin March 5th, 2018. The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removals and replacements, bus pad construction, repaving existing stretches, and striping. During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. Work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed August 15, 2018.

Do you have a business or would like to start one? The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Bethel New Life (1140 North Lamon Avenue) offers a FREE 15-week training program that will help participants get expert help in designing a business and learning business management strategies.

This program is intended for new or existing for-profit businesses. Enrollment is by acceptance only and evening classes will be held from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The classes are scheduled to meet weekly starting Tuesday, 3/6/18.

The application process for "Phase One" is open through Tuesday, 2/13/18, at 12:00pm. You can also register for an optional information/orientation session on Tuesday 2/6/18, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, at Bethel New Life, 4950 West Thomas Street.

Questions can also be directed to Curt Roeschley at 773-473-7870, ext. 113, or via e-mail at etp@bethelnewlife.org.

Anne’s Haven is an oasis where women gather to support and learn from one another, offering a variety of classes and private events for women, by women. Anne’s Haven, located at 5629 West Irving Park Road in the Portage Park community, is looking for creative women to greet visitors and answer questions about programs, classes, and fees. Another important duty will be to help create and maintain a comfortable and visually pleasing environment. Available time slots are Tuesday through Friday (and some weekends), from 3:30pm to 9:30pm. A minimum commitment of 3 hours per week is required. Compensation will be available as barter for use of the space for a show, performance or class. For more information about applying for this position, please contact Janet at anneshaefene@gmail.com.

The Irving Park Community Food Pantry is looking for organized people who could run one or more of our annual outreach programs. They comprise preparing Easter baskets (for the four weeks before Easter) and school supplies (in August) for client’s children and providing coats (one per family) to clients in October.

The ideal candidate is connected to others in the community who can help generate the needed donations, ensure the materials are delivered to the Pantry and recruit volunteers to help with the distribution. Co-coordinators are welcome!

If you are interested or know someone who might be please contact Lee Stein at 312/608-1465 or leesstein@gmail.com for information.

Our special distributions are an opportunity forlocal people who want to make a tangible difference

Please note that availability on Wednesday mornings during the distribution is not a requirement to be a coordinator as long as other volunteers are committed to that time.

Many people rely on walking and transit as their primary way to get around, and without a wide, clear path through snow and ice, it is especially difficult for people with disabilities, seniors, and children to walk safely. According to the Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

Get in shape for spring early! For the whole month of January, Retro fitness will be offering $0 Enrollment, 0$ processing fee, and only $19.99 for the first month. Also, you'll get 1 free smoothie and 50% off 6 month and 12 month personal trainer packages.

Every season is a season to get in shape or stay in shape. Don't let winter stop you. Check out Elite Physique's professional fitness studio. The owner, Mercedes Soto provides professional, certified fitness programs designed to help you reach and maintain your health and fitness goals. And she works with each client to custom design an exercise plan that reflects their short and long-term goals.

Elite Physique is also still having unlimited Bootcamp classes for $200 monthly. Winter or summer, this is a great time to get in shape.Click here for more info.

When the first pizza was born few knew that it would become one of the most famous foods in the world. While Domino's did not invent the pizza they are well known as one of the heaviest hitters maintaining the famous flatbread's dominance on the earth. Domino's at Six Corners has just opened and is ready to serve you pizza and all things that revolve around pizza. One perfect and classic combination would be a pepperoni and green pepper cheese pizza, with a side of buffalo wings, and washed down with a refreshing root beer.

So if you're hungry now and want good pizza, visit store #2815 by clicking here.